Holy One, I started today with the best of intentions. I had grand plans, (ok, just vague ideas) but one by one they crashed, and perfection faded into sunset. But if I’m honest, I know in my heart of hearts that what was left was still pretty amazing! So remind me, Lord, when I fuss… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Clergy Collar or Not?
This week’s question is about the advisability of wearing the clergy collar in a particular situation. Wearing the collar always sends some kind of message. The question this week wonders if wearing the collar might send an unintended message of bias to others. And what does the clergy collar say to the Rev who wears… Read More
Thursday Prayer: in the beginning
In the stories about the beginning,you, O God,bring order from chaos:giving boundaries,separating water and land,making edges. Help us to knowwhere we start and stop,how to hold our space without intruding on others,how to discern what is ours to do,where our edges are:that we might join you in your work in the world.… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Joy!
JOY: Sing aloud! Do not be afraid! Be welcomed home! (Zephaniah 3:14-20) JOY: Draw water! Shout to the whole world! Call on God’s name! (Isaiah 12:2-6) JOY: Rejoice always! Do not worry! Give thanks! (Philippians 4:4-7) JOY: Flee from wrath! Do not hoard! Be cleared of chaff! (Luke 3:7-18) The exhortations of John the Baptist… Read More
Monday Prayer: holy ground
I stand before your holy tabernacle, Blessed One, and I watch the feet of pilgrims as they pass in awe. Dirty feet, unsteady feet, confident strides and timid approaches are just some of the manifestations of those who seek you. We come before your presence in designated places to soak in the magnificence of all… Read More
Advent 2: Sunday Prayer
Not to have peace, but to be peace; Not to endure the fire, but to live with fire; Not to be called prophets, but to catch the vision; Not to be complete, but to be preparing; This is our Advent prayer. Rachel G. Hackenberg‘s book with co-author Martha Spong, Denial Is My Spiritual Practice (and… Read More
Saturday Prayer – Winter Haiku
In the frozen ground – a green branch, a yellow leaf. Awake! See the Light! Jennifer Garrison Brownell serves as pastor at Vancouver United Church of Christ in Vancouver, Washington. She contributed to the Revgals book There’s a Woman in the Pulpit and is the author of the not-really-about-a-triathlon memoir Swim, Ride, Run, Breathe: How… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Advent Sunday of Peace
It’s the Sunday of Peace, except for my to-do list and calendar, which are not comporting themselves very peacefully. Yours? Regardless, onward we go to proclaim the good news. Revised Common Lectionary preachers can find a helpful post here, and Narrative Lectionary preachers, here. Maybe it’s cantata Sunday, or children’s pageant Sunday, or sermon-series-that-seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time Sunday… Read More
Friday Prayer: Traveling home
Holy One, I sat in this traffic tonight, impatient and tired, (and a little bit whiny). When I had to wait for the traffic light to cycle through a third time, I yelled, “I just want to go HOME!” (to no one in particular) But really, I was calling and crying out to You. For… Read More
December Ordiversary Party!
Happy ordiversary, December friends! This month we have long time RevGal Amy Peden Haynie kicking off the party. Many of us remember Amy’s ordination, and some RevGals even travelled from around the country to attend and celebrate with her, after years of reading her blog that included “elastigirl” in the title. 😊 Let’s celebrate with… Read More
